Astroboy

An older variation of the Rifle guidebook describes The Chain Gang, a series of routes in the single-pitch Arsenal, as the best multipich sport climb in Colorado, marred only by the fact that you have to lower to the ground after every pitch.

Well, I would call Astroboy one of the best multi-pitch trad climbs in the country, marred only by the fact that you have to walk back to the base after every pitch. Astroboy is arguably the classiest of the numerous Devil's Lake linkups.

The rule is pretty simple: Lead 10 different 5.10s on the East Rampart. But wait, you say, I can think of 5, 6, even 7 good 5.10 leads on the East, but 10, how can I find 10 leads? Therein lies the difficulty of Astroboy. You have to lead some routes that, let's be honest, you wouldn't normally think of leading. When was the last time you led The Monster? Or Mongo Fury (Burt, you don't count!)? Or Pine Box? And maybe consider adding Thoroughfare, because, I don't know about you, but I'd rather lead Thoroughfare than, say, Big Deal.

Here's the order I chose for Astroboy:

1. Mongo Fury 2. Sometimes 3. Flake Route 4. Congrats 5. Pine Box (DON'T tell me it's 5.9+) 6. Thoroughfare 7. Callipigeanous 8. Mouse's Misery 9. Cheatah 10. Alpha Centauri

But that's what I chose. Page through the guidebook, talk to your partner, and make your own plan. And then be prepared to change your plan when your chosen route is swarming with Boy Scouts. Also be prepared to hang out in the Cool Lot (is that even still a thing?) after your long day. Over beers and beta spray, casually remark that you climbed Astroboy, and that Pine Box wasn't so bad, and that Mongo Fury is a neglected classic, and that you just had one of your best days at the Lake. Ever.

Gear